Rules to Lead By

From classrooms to homes, business offices to the nation’s capital, lack of civility seems to be of constant discussion and debate.

What is “right”? What is “appropriate”? What is “fair and just”? These are questions that student leaders face every day in meetings, discussions, conflicts and relationships.

George Washington, at the young age of 16, compiled a list of 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. Although maybe a bit outdated in language, the foundation of each of the “rules” is relevant today and could be considered and applied by student leaders in their own work on campus.

What exactly do George Washington’s Rules advise today’s student leaders to do and be? Here are just 12 to ponder:

Rule 1: Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

Rule 6: Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

Rule 22: Show not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

Rule 24: Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle.

Rule 44: When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.

Rule 50: Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.

Rule 56: Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'is better to be alone than in bad Company.

Rule 73: Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.

Rule 76: While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

Rule 83: When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean the Person be you do it too.

Rule 89: Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.

Rule 110: Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of

celestial fire called conscience.

Adapted by PaperClip Communications from: Foundations Magazine,

http://www.foundationsmag.com/civility.html

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